The First Vision, Version 3.01c

religion / letter

The First Vision, Version 3.01c is an installment in The Long Letter, written for my children to explain troublesome aspects of Mormon doctrine and history. Because I don’t promote either binary position, believing Mormons have labeled this piece “anti-Mormon” while former Mormons have labeled it “faith promoting.”

In 1820, during a period of intense religious revival, a boy about your age went into the woods to ask God which church he should join. During his prayer, a pillar of light descended and he saw God and Jesus Christ standing in the air before him. Don’t join any church, they said. You are one important dude, they said. With his mind blown, Joseph Smith went home and prepared to restore the only true religion on earth.